Minneapolis Street Sighting: Chevy Impala Custom

Nowadays, most kids call the 1971-1976 Chevy Impala and Caprices "donks" in reference to the Impala symbol; along with the dumb nickname, most big Chevies of this generation have been slathered with obscene shades of garish colors and slapped on huge wheels and gold and chrome trims. Unlike most of the "tight" examples I see driving around this city, this particular car has not been gangstafied.
After talking with the owner for a bit, it is clear that he intends to keep it that way. He bought this 1974 Impala Custom in southern Minnesota for $3000 back in 2004 from an old lady who was the first owner. Despite the crappy Wal*Mart caps on the car presently, the originals are in the trunk. Notice the filler on the lower portions of this body do ya? It's there to cover up the surface rust while it goes in for paint in the later part of the summer. As it sits, it's an original 46k mile car with a 400/400 combo, and when its fully restored it will only be taken to car shows, and see nice days. The owner also says he plans to possibly switch up the stock hubcaps and whitewall for some seventeen or eighteen inch wheels, or even some Cragar SS wheels.
Like most cars exposed to the climate here, the paint does show some signs of wear and tear, and yes it does exhibit some signs of rust (as evidenced by the primer and filler). But-- unlike a majority of the classics I spot around town, this gem had all the original emblems in place, and it even had the original issue license plates. Once restored, this beast will surely turn even more heads than a cliched donk.
I can only hope this is the case, and it doesn't end up getting the infamous Maaco treatment like so many others of its kind. Happy motoring ahead to this fellow, and may his car be returned to its former glory.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Simca Aronde Elysee

So, another Spring means another round of trips down to Quality Coaches, no? Well, that was my idea of thinking, and it didn't hurt. While it's still relatively early for "summer", I figure QC would be busy, and as luck would have it, I was right! Nestled among the drab, mundane vehicles in the parking lot sat this gem. Honestly, I think this is the first Simca I've seen in real life. I realize this is not a pristine example, and I'm sort of glad it isn't. I like cars with character and this Simca is no exception.
Introduced in late 1955, this was the second generation Aronde. Other than a slight restyling of the front and rear fascias, the exterior remained largely the same as its predecessor. News was under the hood, where the previous 1.2L was slightly enlarged to 1.3L and renamed the "Flash". Sadly, that was not a synonym for fast. 0 to 60 took a staggering 24 seconds when new, and this example likely takes even longer. But performance was not the cue here.
Whereas classic American cars were all about styling touches, this little Simca is no different; to the untrained eye, it looks like a miniature version of the Toyopet, which itself is reminiscent of a 1955 Chevy. Definitely no bad thing for sure. On this example, the chrome has its share of surface rust, but the body itself doesn't appear to have any real damage to it. The paint, too, looks almost original. The only thing I'd change here is the Geek Squad decals. They are coming off in time for this car to be shown at the German car fest in the "others" section. I do realize this is a French car, but I've seen a few oddball Renaults at the show, too. One can only hope once its restored, this little guy doesn't get beat down again.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

I usually don't post modern vehicles, but I think an exception has to be made here. Specialized vehicles are certain to become rare, and/or collectible. Since the demise of the Ford SVT Lightning in 2004, Ford's truck lineup has sorely been missing a sporting variant. In 2010, that would change with the introduction of the SVT Raptor.
Available initially with a 5.4 (and optional 6.2) and a supercab , this robust Ford is basically a desert prerunner for the street; evidence of the prerunner-ness is a suspension which allows over a foot of travel in the back, and eleven inches up front. In 2011, two new configurations were launched; a true four door and the 6.2 was made standard. Also, a silver color was added to the palette this year, for a total of five colors offered.
This example is one of a select few I've seen on the street. Finished in Blue Flame Metallic, this thing looked amazing, even nestled in an urban surrounding. Yes, I realize these are meant to get "down and dirty", and I realize this one likely never will, but it still looks hot. Judging by the Canadian license plates, this badass doesn't stay parked for long. With the rough ride, and ungodly noise inside, one can only wonder who this brute does on long journeys; the only long journey I'd want to take this on is the Baja 1000 or some other extreme off-road adventure.
Sadly, like most "modern collector vehicles", this Raptor will likely never do what its meant to-- and that's unfortunate because Ford worked their ass off to build an off-road brute. What good does it do then, if the owners don't take em where they shine?